Manager, Web & Digital Communications

Primary Purpose:

Lead the development, maintenance and optimization of FMI’s vast website, microsite network and the SQFI website, which is a division of FMI, to support strong, consistent user experiences (UX). Use FMI’s web and digital communications channels to increase member awareness of the business value of FMI’s programs, resources, services and activities. Along with the team, provide a value proposition to food industry members to encourage them to do business with FMI through various digital communications verticals.

Essential Job Functions:

Website Management (60%)

• Manage FMI’s current web strategy by maintaining and updating content and the UX (webpages, blogs, news items, search feature and other content types, etc.) across FMI.org websites, microsites and SQFI.com.
• Work with subject matter experts (SME) and departments to ensure content is timely and relevant, reflects FMI and SQFI’s style and brand and creates valuable user experiences online.
• Manage website vendor and ongoing projects designed to enhance the UX design and functionality of FMI.org and SQFI.com website experiences. Maintain strong communications with the website vendor and manage various projects. Ensure collaboration among digital vendors, including the AMS vendor, IT, marketing analytics and other cross-functional supports. Ensure timely project delivery. Manage troubleshooting instances with internal staff and vendors, as needed.
• Leverage Google Analytics and other data sources to report internally and externally about the performance of FMI and SQFI’s digital communications channels, including websites, blog, social media, videos, database and marketing efforts. Enhance FMI and SQFI’s web UX and digital strategy for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)/Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) best practices on a regular basis.
• Manage and enhance FMI’s new Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, designed to support our membership base. This includes properly organizing a strong index of content, testing and fine-tuning user experience and keeping pace with advancements in this emerging area.
• Manage annual upgrade of website systems and projects (e.g., revamping sections of the websites, building microsites, conducting regular content audits, etc.) to enhance the design, functionality and value of FMI and SQFI’s website system. Beyond regular maintenance, these projects may include developing digital experiences about important subjects, building storytelling mechanisms for educating FMI’s audiences, editing content for strong UX, or building or updating microsites to support advocacy and programmatic efforts.
• Train FMI and SQFI’s staff on backend website functionality, including regular updates and best practices for accessibility and AI. Support troubleshooting instances with a solutions-oriented, professional demeanor in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all content on FMI.org and SQFI.com adheres to the latest accessibility, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), AEO, GEO and security standards. Recommend changes for existing content as needed.

Digital Communications and Blog Management (40%)

• Work with public relations (PR)/media function (internally and externally) to develop digital communications strategy for FMI that encompasses web, social, video and email communications and ensure FMI staff are trained in blogging best practices and empowered to participate.
• Ensure digital engagement aligns with broader communications and marketing goals for seamless user experiences.
• Manage production and distribution of FMI’s blog to include writing original content as needed. Manage monthly editorial calendar and cross-department meetings to set the organization’s public relations and communications activities. Foster dialogue and collaboration across departments to ensure timely storytelling that benefits our member audience. Spearhead the editing and posting of blog content to ensure AI optimization and a strong user experience.
• Partner with and counsel internal teams to develop digital strategies on website, blog and digital communications strategy and resources. Ensure FMI and SQFI are always presented as industry leaders through resources, research and services available to members. Work closely with internal PR/media resources to ensure that all PR plans have a strong member digital communications component.
• Enhance dialogue and engagement opportunities with member companies by leveraging member information and digital communications channels, including web and blog.

Other Job Functions:

• Conduct in-house web and digital communications, AI and PR best practice seminars as needed.
• Educate and share FMI and SQFI web and digital communications best practices and progress with staff or external audiences.
• Other duties and projects as assigned or required.